III. History

*Carl Drews's, researcher at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, computerized model of the Red Sea parting http://www.popfi.com/2010/09/22/how-moses-parted-the-red-sea/

A. Historical State of Ecosystem

             Although reliable data and research on the historical state of the Red Sea's ecosystem is scarce, the information available does prove that the region historically was rich in diversity in its plants and animals. Historically, fish, invertebrates, sharks, lobsters, marine mammals, turtles and seabirds have inhabited the region [1]. However, as the region underwent several evolutionary processes, the types of organisms varied from era to era. For example, 5 million years ago, only the northern end of the Red Sea was connected to the Mediterranean Sea [2]. During this time, an influx of Ichthyofauna, a type of fish, arrived in the region from the Mediterranean Sea. Nonetheless, by the Pleistocene Era, all resident species no longer inhabited the Red Sea. [1] Eventually, the southern end of the Red Sea opened, which led to the arrival of fish from the Indo-Pacific. Following the later ice age, roughly 15,000 years ago, the Red Sea’s water levels dropped over 100meters from its previous water level. Clearly, the continuous evolution of the Red Sea is a significant factor to the region’s endemism.

           

Species with the high levels of endemism:

Dottybacks, Triplefin Blennies and Butterflyfish [2]

*Dottyback fish

           

            In terms of plant life, the Red Sea is notable for its relatively young, yet complex reef system and for its mangroves. As the "Red Sea only reached its current level 5,000 years ago [2], its coral reefs are relatively young in comparison to its organisms. However, the reef ecosystem is nonetheless complex and vital to the ecosystem as it protects against storm activity and "provides habitats for a wide range of marine species." [1]. Several off sour reefs, such as atoll-like rings of coral also inhabit the region. [3]. These unusual reef formations are likely to be the result of active and unusual tectonic forces beginning over 1000 years ago [3]. In addition to coral reefs, the Red Sea is known for its mangroves, tropical evergreen trees or shrubs. Mangroves are significant as their root systems stabilize sediments, protect the coastline and as they "provide shelter for numerous marine animals, fish, crustaceans and birds" [4] Mangroves, in the Red Sea, were first observed by the ancient Greeks beginning in 323 BC. Also, Pythagoras, a historian during the Hellenistic time, noted that an African tribe that lived on the shore of the Red used "mangrove wood for making a musical instruments"[5] Evidently, plants have been significant to the Red Sea ecosystem especially as they contribute towards the beauty of the area and the sustainability of its organisms [4[.

                       

Other Plant Species:

            -Seagrass beds: 11 species, protect the coastline, provide food and shelter for water

birds, fish and endangered dugong and green turtles [4]

*Mangrove [4]

*Unusual Reef Formation (photo courtesy of NASA) [3]

*Red Sea Coral Reef [3]

B. Historical Significance in International Affairs

            Furthermore, beginning in the late 1800’s, specifically, in context to European imperialism inAfrica, the Red Sea had multiple significances concerning international affairs due to its strategic geographic location. The Red was perceived as both a window for sources of influences and a door “door through which foreign aggressors threatened to impose their rule.” In regards to the neighboring Islamic empire, the Red Sea was a border, which protected Ethiopia’s Christian empire from Islamic invasion. The Red Sea’s close proximity to the Suez Canal enhanced its importance “especially for Italy, which wanted a colonial empire in Africa.” As a result, the Italians conquered Massawa, Eritrea and gained sovereignty over the colony in 1885. The Roman army, specifically, used the Red Sea to prepare for the Italian-Ethiopian War. Thus, the Red Sea’s geographic location attracted the Italians and led to its colonization. [6] While, the Suez Canal did close for a brief period, once it reopened in 1975, the Red Sea’s location was strategic  to many once again due to the rise of the Soviets as it was utilized as the “main artery of the global economy in the middle of an oil crisis." [7]

           

[1]http://www.environmentservices.com/projects/programs/RedSeaCD/DATA/PDF/LME_33RedSea.pdf
[2]http://www.dive-the-world.com/reefs-and-parks-red-sea-formation-and-endemism.php

[3]http://www.coral-reef-info.com/red-sea-coral-reefs.html
[4]http://www.reefchief.org/reef/redsea_coral.html
[5]Schneider, Pierre. "The Discovery of Tropical Mangroves in Graeco-Roman Antiquity: Science and 
     Wonder." The Journal of the Hakluyt Society (2011). Print. 
[6]Encyclopaedia Aethiopica. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2010. 345,352.  Print.
[7]http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,405947,00.html